Hi- What an interesting question ( about the toys).  In addition to
shells I collect children's playthings, although generally more
contemporary. I haven't seen much with shells although I do think
there was/is  a "shell game/starter kit" kind of a thing. I have
several toy history books here and there. A look at one of them
says, no shells. THe others are in my office and I'll check there too.

- Karen

On Thu, 4 Nov 1999, avrilb wrote:

> Good evening CONCH-Lers,
>
> Does anyone know of any examples of children's toys be made from sea shells and from what cultures? In all the books, I have read, I have not seen this area covered.  Toys played such an important role in all our lives and do in our children's lives, surely they would have in the past as well.
>
> Secondly:  I am interested in adding a list of this centuries top Conchologists and Malacologists and  their contributions to collecting and science.  This will be printed added to my article "Man and Molluscs.." and just may be the subject of another paper in the future.
>
> I look forward to your answers.  Thank you one and all for your help again.
>
> All the best,
>
> Avril Bourquin
> [log in to unmask]
>